by Chris Strauss, USA TODAY Sports

Ryan, in his daily press conference Wednesday, was addressing a report in which the Daily News said more than a dozen Jets players and coaches bashed Tebow - with all but one player ripping him anonymously.

"I think it's a cowardly thing if you're not going to put your name to it," Ryan said, noting that he discussed the matter with his team Wednesday morning. "That's about as cowardly of a thing as there is."

The story, in which a Jets defensive starter was quoted as saying Tebow was "terrible," suggested a lack of confidence in his abilities as a starting quarterback, something Ryan reiterated that the former Heisman Trophy winner was not brought in to do.

"We never brought him in here to be the starting quarterback," Ryan said. "We already have a starting quarterback in Mark Sanchez. I thought I was clear on that from the day we brought Tim in here.

"What we also were clear on is he's a football player, and we have used him different roles. That'll still be part of what we do."

Ryan made a point of emphasizing how Tebow's presence has improved the punt team and praised his work ethic, disputing the sentiment in the Daily News story by saying that Tebow has improved fundamentally as a passer since joining the team. The coach pointed out that the team's net yards per punt have improved with Tebow on the unit. The Jets are averaging 40.5 net yards per punt this season as opposed to 38.7 in 2011, but that may have more to do with a switch in punters as Robert Malone replaced T.J. Conley this season.

On game day, Tebow hasn't had much effect on the team's offense. While he may force teams to spend more time game planning, the Jets haven't capitalized on his versatility. He's participated in 65 snaps, completing five of six passes for 40 yards and run the ball 27 times for 92 yards. After a combined 18 touchdowns last season in Denver, he has not factored in any with the 3-6 Jets, who travel to St. Louis to face the 3-5-1 Rams on Sunday.

In addition, Ryan insisted he absolutely wanted Tebow to join the team when he was acquired, contradicting suggestions that owner Woody Johnson forced Tebow on Ryan.

As far as division among his players, Ryan believes that the increased attention from the piece may actually unify the locker room.

"If I'm going to be judged on 'Will this team come together or not,' that's fine with me," Ryan said. "I'll be here a long time. Will it be 100% total belief in this guy and everybody? I don't know if that holds water in the entire league."